THE future of rural community transport for the elderly hangs in the balance this week as six years of funding comes to an end.

Conwy Community Transport, which provides invaluable transport links to rural areas and elderly residents who would otherwise be isolated, is one of 15 government funded transport schemes now under assessment.

Communities minister Carl Sergeant has vowed funding will continue until evaluations have taken place, but there is no guarantee the funding will be renewed.

He said it would not be possible to carry on funding the entirety of the scheme as it is.

“However, I’m aware each scheme is a distinct project and believe it’s important we look at the benefits each provides and whether there is alternative funding available.

Conwy Community Transport manager Glyn Jones said they are in limbo.

“Our drivers’ jobs are under threat, we don’t know how long the evaluation will take or how much funding we could get,” he said.

“Although we are 70% self-sufficient we rely on government funding.

“Last year we provided around 3,000 rural journeys. In Llanrwst we take members to the Darby and Joan Club and three times a week to a dinner club. The elderly also use the bus for door-to-door shopping trips, social events and hospital appointments.”

Llanrwst Town Council says the service is essential for elderly and disabled people unable to use normal buses or taxis..

Protesting against the cuts in a letter to the Welsh Government, the council said: “A free bus pass is of no use to some elderly. The normal bus does not pick them up from home or take them to exactly where they want..

“The government has a duty to look after the elderly and disabled and ensure they have the same opportunities and privileges as everybody else..”

Clwyd West AM Darren Millar added: “Public transport provision has had a few funding bombshells to deal with recently and it is isolated, elderly users set to lose out.

“With local authorities facing surprise cuts we may see vulnerable users relying more heavily on community transport, particularly in rural areas.

“What community transport users need is certainty in the future of their services. I hope the minister can provide that.”